The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Ramsar Convention Secretariat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), as the UAE is gearing up to host the 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP13). The Conference will be hosted in cooperation with Dubai Municipality, the official sponsor, and take place from October 21 to 30, 2018.

The MoU was signed by His Excellency Sultan Alwan, Assistant Undersecretary of the Regions Sector at MOCCAE, on behalf of the Ministry, and Jonathan Barzdo, Deputy Secretary General, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, on behalf of the Secretariat.

The UAE has joined and ratified the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands pursuant to the Federal Decree No. 11/2007, and has listed in the same year Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Wadi Wurayah National Park in Fujairah, Mangrove and Alhafeya Protected Area in Khor Kalba, Sir Bu Nair Island Protected Area in Sharjah, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, Bul Syayeef Marine Protected Area in Abu Dhabi, and Al-Zora Protected Area in Ajman, as wetland sites of international importance.

Commenting on the MoU, His Excellency Sultan Alwan said: “The UAE’s regional and international efforts in supporting high biodiversity and maintaining sustainable natural resources have secured it a prominent position as a world-class hub for environmental conferences and major events, such as 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

“Under the MoU, the UAE will organize and host the 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP13), in Dubai from October 21 to 30. The Conference will be hosted in cooperation with Dubai Municipality and is expected to draw participation from over 1,200 representatives of the governments of the Contracting Parties. Representatives of non-member states and non-governmental organizations attend these meetings as well to get a closer look on the developments in wetland management.”

His Excellency Alwan pointed out that the MOCCAE will carry out awareness campaigns six months before the Conference commences, to educate the public about wetlands, their environmental significance, and the best ways to conserve them.

“Wetlands have received the attention of the government and the UAE Vision 2021 confirms the importance of conserving our rich natural environment and protecting these fragile ecosystems from urbanization and human activities. We always seek to increase the percentage of officially announced natural protected areas, as per specified world ratios. The national strategies for biodiversity and sustainability of the marine and coastal environments will play important roles in preserving the said environments and enhancing their ability to cope with human and natural challenges,” he added.

Highlighting Dubai Municipality’s role in hosting the Conference, Alia Al Harmoudi, Director of Environment Department, Dubai Municipality, said: “Sponsoring the 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands affirms Dubai Municipality’s vision towards developing a happy and sustainable city. Dubai is ready to host this important event that will see the participation of 169 countries. This will be the first time the Conference is being held in an Arab country.

Dubai has always spearheaded the environmental ventures in the UAE. This is evident in Dubai’s listing of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary as wetland site of international importance in 2007. The theme for this year ‘Wetlands for a Sustainable urban future’ shows our commitment to live in harmony with the environment and maintain our natural resources, despite the rapid pace of urbanization.

“Although the UAE is better known for being situated in one of the most arid regions of the world, the wetland ecosystem in the country is one of the most unique and diverse in the Arabian Pennisula. It includes marshes, vast tidal flats, fresh water aquifers, mangroves and coral reefs,” she added.

Jonathan Barzdo said: “We appreciate the generosity of the Government of the United Arab Emirates in hosting the 13th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The theme of this meeting is ‘Wetlands for a Sustainable urban future’, and Dubai will serve as an excellent host city given its commitment to the conservation and the wise use of Wetlands. It is especially relevant in this year of Zayed to recognize the commitment to nature and Wetlands of the Founder of the United Arab Emirates. We are looking forward to working with the UAE to make COP13 a great success.”

The Contracting Parties meet every three years at a Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) to agree on a work program and budgetary arrangements for the next triennium and consider guidance on a range of ongoing and emerging environmental issues. Each meeting of the COP includes several technical sessions on ongoing and emerging wetland conservation and wise use issues, to update Convention concepts and draft guidance for the Parties. The last Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP12) was held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, in 2015.